Stop units (also known as brake units) are objects to stop the products movement on the conveyor.
This function is useful when there is the need to convey two or more lines of products onto one outfeed. In this case the brake unit carries out an action similar to a common traffic light.
There are usually two types of brake unit:
- Manual
- Automatic
In the case of manual groups, it is the operator who decides when to stop a line of products by manually moving a bulkhead or a guide. In the case of automatic units, usually pneumatic, there is a photocell or a timer which will activate an electro valve connected to a cylinder which works the brake. AAs before, the unit that is moved is normally a guide or a bulkhead.
It is important to underline that all the stop units can be customised according to client requirements and the size of the products to stop. The stop units do not have any particular layout requirements in that they do not need spaces upstream and downstream.
The only precaution to be taken is due to the accumulation which will eventually occur during the systems’ action.
It is important to evaluate the products’ characteristics every time (shape, size, surface contact with conveyor, speed etc.) to determine if they are compatible with any accumulation on the chains and/or belt. If this is the case, scrupulously evaluate the belt to be chosen.
During design, therefore, this data should be taken into account and guides, bulkheads, cylinders and electro valves must be appropriately dimensioned.
Sometimes stop units can be installed in combination with other units which need the product to be still in a set position in order to work.